Being well is more than about being physically fit and active - although that's a big part of it. Kristin Mabry has worked in the fitness industry for 12 years, and offers people opportunities to not only fire up their bodies through fitness classes, but also offers holistic health options.

Making Local Work: Mountainside Wellness100213
BUSINESS1Capital City Weekly Being well is more than about being physically fit and active - although that's a big part of it. Kristin Mabry has worked in the fitness industry for 12 years, and offers people opportunities to not only fire up their bodies through fitness classes, but also offers holistic health options.

Being well is more than about being physically fit and active - although that's a big part of it. Kristin Mabry has worked in the fitness industry for 12 years, and offers people opportunities to not only fire up their bodies through fitness classes, but also offers holistic health options.

Mabry, who taught Physical Education credit courses at the University of Alaska Southeast for 12 years, opened her own studio in April - Mountainside Wellness. The studio regularly offers cardio core workout, boot camp, yoga and pilates classes, with a few new classes coming up.

"I've been in the fitness industry a long time now," Mabry said. "There really isn't a place in town that I could have the kind of relationship I wanted with my clientele. To do that I really needed my own space. When you've done something for a long time, you know how you want to do it. I wanted to create an environment where I could offer scholarships, sliding scale rates."

Mabry said it's not about weight, but about health.

"We're certainly not catering to elite athletes," she said. "Our typical client is a state office worker who spends way, way too much time at a desk. My clients, they're fabulous. They're so willing to try new things. There's no pretense here. It's a community and people care about each other."

One of the most challenging parts of the new business is getting people in the door. The majority of people who go to the studio heard about it through word-of-mouth, Mabry said.

Mabry said she's still finding her niche, as Juneau has a lot of fitness options for people.

Right now, Mountainside Wellness is the only place in town that offers Tabata boot camp, an intense cardio workout. Mabry said a Japanese researcher who worked with Olympic speed skaters created it. There's a strong nutritional component, behavioral science and a strong sense of community.

"There's a lot of high fives," Mabry said. "(Tabata boot camps) have been very popular. I've sold out since I opened in April. Eight weeks is enough time to firmly establish positive habits. Then you're ready for the next step, whatever that is for you."

Another unique set of offerings will be Capoeira classes with Tyrie Wade. Mabry said it's a Brazilian marital arts combo including dance and music. There will be children and adult classes.

Mabry said they'll also be offering chair yoga - yoga that anyone can do. She said as long as people can make it up the stairs, since the building doesn't have an elevator, they'll be able to do this yoga.

"The last unique thing I'm working on is with Cindy at Goals Gym by JDHS," Mabry said.

The gym has all kinds of equipment, but no option for classes. Mabry said she has the opposite situation, so the two facilities offer trades for their members.

Mabry isn't sure what the long-term goals will quite be for Mountainside Wellness, but she wants to see it grow into even more of a holistic wellness studio.

"I'm really just feeling it out for what Juneau wants and needs," she said. "....This studio is just about - when people leave this door I want them to have a smile on their face. That's payment enough to know that they feel better."